SRINAGAR: The Privileges Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday examined two alleged breach of privilege cases involving government officials and directed them to submit supplementary written replies.
The meeting was chaired by Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi and took up privilege notices filed by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chadoora, Budgam, and MLA Mian Mehar Ali against the then Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Ganderbal.
Both officers appeared before the Committee and were heard separately.
While examining the case involving the then ACD Ganderbal, the officer informed the Committee that the matter was linked to the preparation and submission of the list of works under the MGNREGA scheme, during which some works recommended by the MLA could not be included.
The Committee, however, took serious note of allegations that the officer had failed to respond to telephone calls from the elected representative. It observed that MLAs, being representatives of the people, are entitled to due courtesy and timely response from officials to effectively perform their legislative duties.
The officer maintained that he had always tried to respond to communications from the MLA and expressed regret if he had unintentionally failed to do so on any occasion. Following deliberations, the Committee granted him additional time to file a supplementary written reply.
The Committee also examined the privilege notice filed by Ali Mohammad Dar against the SDM Chadoora. After hearing the officer’s statement, the panel expressed displeasure over the conduct attributed to him during the incident.
It observed that despite government instructions directing officials to extend due respect and courtesy to legislators, such incidents reflect poorly on the functioning of the Executive and require serious attention.
The Committee granted the SDM one final opportunity to submit a supplementary written response and said both matters would be taken up for further consideration and appropriate decision in its next meeting.
